Jill Johnson

My appreciation for art came from my father who was a successful Commercial Artist.  He also taught me the value of experiencing nature which was the subject of all his paintings.

During my career, my creativity was channeled through my love of science and biology.  I was a Clinical Dietitian in Richmond, VA.  Later, I attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota for Food Science with an emphasis on sensory perception. I worked in product development and design for Pillsbury, Nabisco and Gillette as a Sensory Scientist.

Upon retirement I discovered pastel painting.  I love the colors, the tactile feel of applying the chalk to paper and the peacefulness of painting.  I take on-line pastel classes which motivate me to paint more frequently and develop new painting skills. I feel like pastel art is taking me on a wonderful journey of seeing the world in a new way.